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creamy broccoli soup recipe

Cream of Broccoli Soup

This luxuriously creamy broccoli soup balances rich indulgence with nutritious vegetables. The aromatic base of sautéed onions, celery, and garlic creates a flavorful foundation that transforms simple ingredients into a soul-warming bowl of comfort.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups chicken broth vegetable broth can be substituted
  • 4 cups milk 2% or whole
  • 2 cups celery chopped
  • 2 onions chopped
  • 1 bunch broccoli trimmed and cut into ½-inch slices
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 1 tomato chopped, for garnish
  • ½ cup flour
  • ½ teaspoon marjoram
  • ½ teaspoon thyme
  • ¼ cup butter
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • slivered almonds for garnish

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • Steamer basket
  • Blender or immersion blender

Method
 

  1. Trim the broccoli and cut it into ½-inch thick slices. Steam in salted water until tender but still bright green.
  2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables begin to brown and caramelize.
  3. Gradually stir the flour into the vegetable mixture to create a roux, cooking for about 1 minute.
  4. Slowly pour in the milk while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
  5. Add the chicken broth, marjoram, and thyme. Continue stirring over low heat until the mixture thickens and just begins to boil.
  6. Add the steamed broccoli to the soup base. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. For a smoother consistency, blend some or all of the soup using an immersion blender or regular blender (working in batches if necessary).
  8. Serve hot, garnished with slivered almonds and chopped tomato.

Notes

This soup can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days, or frozen in portions for up to 3 months. The consistency may change slightly when reheated, so you might need to add a splash of milk or broth to thin it out. For a richer version, try adding a handful of shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese as a topping. Vegetarians can easily substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth without compromising flavor.
For a complete meal, serve with crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches cut into strips for dunking.